Abstract
Degeneration of substantia nigra (SN) dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons is responsible for the core motor deficits of Parkinson's disease (PD). These neurons are autonomous pacemakers that have large cytosolic Ca(2+) oscillations that have been linked to basal mitochondrial oxidant stress and turnover. This review explores the origin of Ca(2+) oscillations and their role in the control of mitochondrial respiration, bioenergetics, and mitochondrial oxidant stress.